Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byMariah Minyard Modified over 9 years ago
1
Rakali Research in Bayside
2
Bayside City Council Municipal Map
3
Bayside Characteristics 17 kilometres of coastline comprised mainly of cliffs & bluffs with sandy beaches interspersed between rocky headlands.
4
Rakali Research in Bayside - 1996 Broad general fauna survey conducted in Bayside in 1996 recommended that further survey work be carried out along the coast to assess distribution and numbers of Rakali within Bayside.
5
Survey Methods 17 kilometres of foreshore divided into 4 study areas (Brighton, Hampton, Black Rock & Beaumaris); 50 cage traps - baited with pilchards; One study area trapped each week; Traps checked twice a day (dawn & dusk); No trapping conducted over weekends due to high foreshore usage.
6
Rakali Habitat in Bayside Rakali do not tend to be found where there are wide sandy beaches; Often seen near inter-tidal reefs & stormwater drains; Forage along the strand-line.
7
Rakali Habitat in Bayside Sandringham Yacht Club and Royal Brighton Yacht Club have associated rocky breakwaters which provide vital habitat for Rakali in Bayside.
8
Rakali Habitat in Bayside Generally Rakali are found in the northern end of Bayside; Rocky protection walling & groynes seem to provide ideal habitat for Rakali, especially when adjacent to areas vegetated with Coast Salt-bush ( Atriplex cinera ).
9
Rakali Research in Bayside - 1998 First trapping survey of Rakali in 1998; 17 Rakali trapped & released over two 4-week trapping periods; 16 Rakali trapped in Brighton; 1 Rakali trapped in Sandringham; Rakali report with management recommendations produced & endorsed by Council in 1999.
10
Trapped!
11
Rakali Research in Bayside - 2000 Second trapping survey of Rakali; Trap & release permit includes micro-chipping individuals for future identification; 7 Rakali trapped, micro-chipped & released over one 4-week period; First juvenile Rakali record & first Rakali trapped in Beaumaris.
12
Survey Methods Repeat of methods used in 1998; Additional permit obtained to micro-chip Rakali; Permit required Ethics Committee Approval, provided by Monash University (Clayton Campus) Biological Sciences Department; Micro-chipping provided free-of-charge by Dr Alan Sherlock from Central Veterinary Hospital, Sandringham.
13
Survey Results - Example of Data Sheet
14
Footprints
15
Feeding platforms
16
Rakali Research in Bayside - 2003 13 Rakali trapped & released over one 3-week period; 10 Rakali micro-chipped, one tagged individual re- captured; Rakali Management Report endorsed by Council in 2004.
17
Survey Methods Repeat of methods used in 1998 & 2000; Additional permit obtained to micro-chip Rakali; Permit required Ethics Committee Approval, provided by Department of Sustainability & Environment; Micro-chipping provided free-of-charge by Dr Alan Sherlock from Central Veterinary Hospital, Sandringham.
18
Some Bayside locals...
19
Rakali Management Recommendations in Bayside Bayside City Council should take appropriate actions to conserve & attempt to increase the Rakali population within Bayside; Survey Elster Creek (Elsternwick Golf Course) for Rakali; Limit vermin control on the foreshore to live capture traps - preferably no rodentcides to be used within 10 metres of the high water mark; Protection from predators - foxes & cats; Protection of habitat.
20
Proposed Rakali Research in Bayside - 2005 Radio tracking to determine exact habitat being utilised for burrows - nesting and breeding - to allow for more effective management & protection of Rakali; Joint survey work with Kingston City Council & Earthcare St Kilda; Potential to use data collected to contribute towards developing local planning policies to protect local biodiversity.
21
Rakali Publicity, Community Involvement & ‘Rikki Rakali’! Installation of interpretative signage at known Rakali areas - Brighton and Sandringham; The word ‘Rakali’ used instead of ‘Water Rat’; Fact sheets handed out to all foreshore groups & clubs; ‘Rikki Rakali’ visits local schools & community events - Mayor’s annual children’s picnic, Bayside Christmas Carols, Bright ’n’ Sandy Festival, Benalla & District Environment Group Rakali Project Launch and Earthcare Rakali Symposium.
22
‘Rikki Rakali’ - out & about...
23
Rikki Rakali & ‘Catchment Care’
24
The Future... Bayside City Council building relationships with various organisations & groups to share information & knowledge on Rakali habitat, behaviour & ecology.
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.